Thai Airways International Public Co, Ltd (THAI) has decided to buy 37 new aircraft to replace 46 ageing planes and expand routes as part of its strategic and investment plans covering 2011-2017.

While it has raised staff salaries by up to seven per cent this year, Thai News agency quoted to THAI President Piyasvasti Amranand as saying.

Piyasvasti told journalists after a board meeting Friday that THAI plans to further develop its aircraft efficiency during the seven-year period by ordering 37 new aircraft and decommissioning 46 existing aircraft with an aim to making its business more efficient in future.

After the planned purchase, the national carrier will have a total of 105 aircraft from 85 at present.

Senior executives of THAI are now mapping details on the specifications of the aircraft which the airline requires. The entire process is expected to be completed next month, he said.

The board also approved paying a three-month salary bonus to its staff, which would cost the airline Bt4.25 billion (US$1=Bt30.43), and raising staff salaries by seven per cent, costing the airline about Bt60 million monthly, he said.

The board also acknowledged at the meeting that THAI’s passenger load last December rose 1.6 per cent from the same period of 2009, up 4.1 per cent from a month ago.

THAI shares closed on Friday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at Bt45.75, down Bt0.75 from Thursday.